O'Malley could continue to lead off and play left field against left-handed pitchers, the Seattle Times reports.
Part of the reason Nori Aoki was sent down in June was his inability to hit left-handers (.174/.186/.439). Since his return in late July, he has started against a lefty once. In his place, Guillermo Heredia played left field and led off against lefties, but he was recently demoted because the Mariners needed another bullpen arm. That leaves the switch-hitting O'Malley now that he's not needed to start at shortstop with Ketel Marte back. O'Malley had two hits, including a run-scoring triple, and a walk in the role Friday night. Manager Scott Servais said he is not committing to the move for good, but the team isn't likely to put Aoki back in the leadoff spot, so unless Heredia is recalled, it looks to be O'Malley's job.